Located in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed gassho-zukuri village of Shirakawa-go, this event, held on specific days in January and February, draws large crowds annually. The sight of the iconic, thatched triangular roofs of the gassho-style houses blanketed in snow, illuminated against the night, evokes a fairy-tale-like look and feel.
For 2025, the event will operate on a complete pre-booking and ticket-entry system. Admission is restricted to those who: (1) stay overnight in the village on the day of the event, (2)(3) reserve a designated parking space for car or taxi use, or (4)(5) participate in a bus tour organized by a bus company or travel agency. Access to the observation deck is also limited to those with tickets included in these plans.
Without an entry ticket, daytime tourism in Shirakawa-go is possible on the day of the light-up, but parking is limited to final entry at 3 PM and must be vacated by 5 PM. Also, vehicle access to the village's observation deck is restricted all day. Temperatures during the light-up can drop to between -10 to 0°C, so attendees should come prepared with warm clothing, waterproof boots, and flashlights.
Highlights
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A light-up event in the World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go.
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View the gassho-zukuri village enveloped in the mystique that’s all alight.
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Held under a complete pre-booking and ticket-entry system in 2025.
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Access to the observation deck is restricted to ticket holders.
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Daytime visits are possible without a reservation.
